1. The Rise of Rome
The Roman Republic /

2. The Roman Republic The Legend of Romulus and Remus
Aeneas (Trojan) leads small group, wanders Mediterranean
Settle on Italian coast, found Alba Longa
400 yrs ruled by Aeneas family
Numitor vs. Amulius
Brothers
N. older but A. took throne by force

3. The Roman Republic The Legend of Romulus and Remus Numitor vs. Amulius
A. forces N.’s only daughter, Rhea, to be Vestal Virgin (*no heir*)
Rhea has twins, Romulus and Remus
claims Mars is the father
A. orders boys killed
Escape in a basket, raised by a wolf

4. The Roman Republic The Legend of Romulus and Remus
R. & R. kill Amulius and restore kingdom to Numitor
R. & R. want to start their own city. Disagree on location
Omen of the Vultures
Both think it favors their choice. Romulus kills Remus
Romulus founds Rome
753 B.C.
Disappears in a thunderstorm

5. The Roman Republic Geography Rome founded on 7 hills Fertile soil
More easily defended
Fertile soil
Tiber River
Apennines Mountain Range - East
Tyrrhenian Sea – West
Adriatic Sea - East
Center of the Italian Peninsula
Advantages

6. The Roman Republic Etruscans Located N. of Rome
Took control around 600 BC
Romans revolt ~ 509 BC
According to ancient Roman historians. Date in question
Lucretia
Romans keep many Etruscan ideas
Alphabet, gods, clothing

7. The Roman Republic Founding of the Republic
Romans don’t want absolute ruler
Found Republic
Male + age 15 + descendents of original tribes = citizen (originally)
Definition changes over time
Different levels of citizen

8. The Roman Republic Government Classes Patricians: Plebeians: Slaves:
Family had $$, full citizen, top/elite class
Plebeians:
Working class, citizen (could not vote or hold office)
Slaves:
POWs, could earn or buy freedom and become citizen

9. The Roman Republic Government Senate Consuls
Similar to legislative branch
Originally 300 patrician men, plebeians could not hold office
Consuls
Two officials
Chief executives
Led the Senate
One year term

10. The Roman Republic Government Dictator Praetor
Only used in emergencies
Appointed by Senate
Six month office
Praetor
Junior Consuls
Served as judges
Help develop laws

11. The Roman Republic Patrician vs. Plebeian
Different attitudes and interests
Patricians had the RIGHT to rule
Plebeians wanted the RIGHT to be respected
Plebeians form their own groups, protect interests
Plebeians migrate to cities for work

12. The Roman Republic Patrician vs. Plebeian
Plebeians refuse to fight in military
Threaten to walk out
Twelve Tables
Laws for all citizens (Patricians and Plebeians)